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Comments During Legislative Session
Last week during our legislative session, I spoke twice to counter what some colleagues think of there being no emergency when it came to constituents in my district. This was part of session as we voted to extend the $500 million contingency fund to protect Connecticut residents from the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans reckless cuts to essential social safety net programs.
On the floor, as I responded to my colleagues who suggested there was no emergency, I explained that the uncertainty and callous behavior coming from Washington feels very different in our districts—where real people face threats, hardships, and the unknown every day. This is exactly why I supported extending the $500 million contingency fund to ensure our communities have a safety net when federal leaders fail to act responsibly.You can watch my remarks here and here.
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A reminder that it's easier than ever to follow along and get involved this session. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.
Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:
- The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language.
- You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website.
- Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates.
- Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change.
- Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
Together, we can ensure all voices are heard.
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Aging Committee Work
This week in the Aging Committee we voted on some great concept bills. We will continue to work on bills right up to we vote for them on the floor. Aging Committee is on of the many favorite Committees to help make it better for our seniors. You can read the various concepts below.
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Black History Month: Black Inventors
Today's Recognition of Black History: We use tools, appliances, and equipment that trace back to their creativity, resilience, and brilliance. These inventions are more than historical milestones—they’re reminders of the ingenuity and impact of Black and Brown innovators, past and present.
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A Message to Black Historians
We write to honor you, to thank you, and to speak the truth of what this country would not be without you. You helped shape this nation into something better for Black and Brown people, often at a cost most will never fully understand. You stood up when standing meant danger. You spoke when silence was demanded. You fought so that freedom, fairness, democracy, and justice could exist not just as ideas, but as rights.
We truly appreciate the hard lives you were forced to live and the lives that were taken so the rest of us could live with more dignity. You endured brutality, imprisonment, lynching, exile, broken families, stolen opportunities, and constant threats simply for believing that equality was not negotiable. You faced laws designed to crush you, violence meant to silence you, and systems built to erase your humanity. Still, you pressed forward.
We are grateful that you didn’t just open doors, but taught us why walking through them matters. You showed us the importance of education, of knowing our history, and of understanding power. You taught us how to sit at the table, how to speak with authority once we’re there, and how to demand a seat when none is offered. Because of you, we know we belong in rooms where decisions are made, policies are written, and futures are shaped.
We honor the pain you carried so we could walk a little lighter. We recognize that every gain came from sacrifice, courage, and an unshakable belief in our worth. And let it be clear: we will never allow your history to fade or be taken away by anyone. Not by politicians. Not by presidents. Not by those who fear the truth because it exposes their lies.
We understand now, more than ever, the need to stand tall and stay ten toes deep. To fight when it’s uncomfortable. To believe, without apology, that we are just as equal as anyone else. We will not hold back. We will hold our heads high. We will protect your legacy while building our own, knowing that the history we make is possible only because of you.
You lit the path. We are walking it.
You paid the price. We are claiming the promise.
And as long as we breathe, your history lives—
not just in books, but in our voices, our votes, our presence, and our power.
With gratitude, respect, and commitment, We carry you forward.
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Black History Spotlight
This image brings together influential Black leaders and historic moments that represent courage, resilience, and the fight for justice. It highlights voices like Maya Angelou, Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Medgar Evers, alongside the bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen and the unity of the Million Man March. Together, the collage reflects the strength of leadership, the power of collective action, and the ongoing journey toward equality and opportunity.
Maya Angelou’s: Maya's life and work gave strength and dignity to generations. Through powerful writing, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she spoke truth about identity, resilience, and hope, reminding people everywhere of the power of courage and self-worth.
Ida B. Wells: Ida was a fearless journalist and activist who exposed the horrors of lynching and racial violence. Through her writing, investigations, and organizing, she demanded justice, accountability, and equal protection under the law.
Fannie Lou Hamer: Fannie represents grassroots courage and determination. Rising from poverty and facing violence for her activism, she became a powerful voice for voting rights and helped found the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party to challenge injustice and political exclusion.
W.E.B. Du Bois: W.E.B embodied intellectual leadership and lifelong advocacy for equality. As a scholar, writer, and co-founder of the NAACP, he used education, research, and activism to challenge racism and advance civil rights.
Medgar Evers: Medgar symbolizes sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice. He worked tirelessly to desegregate schools and expand voting access in Mississippi, giving his life in the struggle for freedom and equal rights.
The Tuskegee Airmen: represent excellence, discipline, and patriotism in the face of discrimination. As the first Black military pilots, their courage and success during World War II helped break racial barriers and paved the way for the desegregation of the U.S. armed forces.
The Million Man March: stands as a historic moment of unity and reflection. Hundreds of thousands gathered in Washington, D.C., calling for personal responsibility, community uplift, stronger families, and a renewed commitment to economic and social empowerment.
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Expanding Parole Eligibility
This week, I joined colleagues and advocates to support legislation expanding early parole eligibility for individuals who committed offenses as young adults.
This proposal removes an outdated cutoff date and allows individuals who were under age 26 at the time of their offense to be considered for parole review. It does not guarantee release—it simply gives the Board of Pardons and Paroles the ability to evaluate each case based on rehabilitation, behavior, and readiness to safely return to the community.
I supported this effort because young adults have the capacity to grow and change. When someone has taken responsibility and done the work to improve, our system should allow their progress to be reviewed.
This is about fairness, accountability, and public safety. Second chances, when earned, help strengthen families, reduce repeat offenses, and build safer communities.
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Re-Imagining School Safety Coalition
This week, I stood with the Re-Imagining School Safety Coalition, a statewide group working to transform how Connecticut schools respond to student behavior.
The coalition’s focus is clear: end the use of suspension and expulsion for non-violent behavior and move toward evidence-based, supportive approaches that improve student outcomes and strengthen school climate.
This is not about removing accountability. Students should be held responsible for their actions. But non-violent behaviors should not result in students being pushed out of the classroom and falling further behind.
If we want schools to address the root causes of behavior — trauma, mental health needs, and family or community challenges — the state must do its part by fully and fairly funding our schools. Educators need the resources, staff, and support to help students succeed, not just discipline them.
I welcome thoughtful conversation from those who support this effort and from those who have questions or concerns. Our goal is the same: safer schools and better outcomes for every student. Thank you to all the advocates, legislators, and student that came out.
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2026 Community Projects for Eastern Connecticut
Thank you, Congressman Joe Courtney for your leadership and dedication to Connecticut’s Second District. Securing over $13 million for 15 community projects is a strong investment in our towns, our nonprofits, and the people we serve.
This kind of targeted federal funding creates real impact — strengthening communities, expanding opportunities, and delivering resources where they’re needed most. We appreciate your continued commitment to bringing results home for the families and communities of eastern Connecticut.
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Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness
This week we came together with Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness because we know CT Can End Homelessness in our communities. Thank you to the providers, advocates, state and local partners that came together to share goals of legislative for this session and the urgent need to invest in Connecticut’s Homeless Response System, especially as federal funding cuts and policy changes threaten housing stability across the state. Thank you to everyone fighting to make housing better.
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Student Loan Reimbursement Program Accepting Applications
Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year.
Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.
Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.
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Eligible applicants may qualify if they:
- Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
- Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
- Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
- Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
- Completed required community service or qualify for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances
Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.
Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.
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Opportunity to Save on Eversource Bill
Eversource is offering residents an opportunity to save on their energy bill and improve their home with a Home Energy Solutions visit. During the in-home appointment, a certified contractor will evaluate your home's energy performance, install energy-saving upgrades on the spot, and recommend additional improvements to help you save even more over time.
Eversource will waive the assessment copay if you meet income eligibility requirements and schedule your in-home visit by March 31 and it's completed by April 30. See if you qualify.
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Your Home Energy Solutions visit may include:
- Up to $850 in energy-saving products and services, such as air sealing and water-saving devices
- Custom energy-saving recommendations tailored to your home
- Rebates and incentives, including up to 75% off insulation upgrades
Taking advantage of this program is an easy way to reduce monthly costs while making your home more comfortable and energy efficient. I encourage residents to explore this opportunity and see how much they can save.
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
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